Fatty Liver Increases Risk of Liver Cancer–Tips for Early Detection and Prevention

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Fatty liver disease can develop into cirrhosis of the liver, which increases the risk of liver cancer—yet in the early stages has no symptoms. How do we prevent and/or treat it?

Jonathan Liu, a professor at a Canadian public college, introduced how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats fatty liver in the program “Health 1+1.” He also recommends some dietary practices to eliminate it.

Fatty liver is a disease in which fat accumulates in the liver and includes two broad groups: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Alcoholic fatty liver occurs only in heavy drinkers, especially those who drink regularly, while non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is more common.

According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine data, non-alcoholic fatty liver affects about 25 percent of the world’s population and is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States.

Liu said that the cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver is still unclear. It is postulated that conditions such as obesity, metabolic abnormalities, hyperlipidemia, genetics, pregnancy, long-term use of sebum hormones, and cancer chemotherapy drugs, may be some causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver.

Liu emphasized that if fatty liver is left unattended, it may slowly develop into more serious diseases such as liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Therefore, early detection and vigorous post-detection treatment are particularly important.

A study published in Gastroenterology in 2018 found that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were seven times more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) compared with the other patients. The study was based on data from the Veterans Health Administration.

6 Symptoms of Fatty Liver

So how can we detect fatty liver disease early? According to Liu, people with fatty liver may experience the following six symptoms:

1. Fatigued easily.
2. Degeneration of brain function.
3. Loss of appetite.
4. Weight loss.
5. Gastrointestinal bleeding.
6. Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Acupuncture Plus Application of Medicine to Remove Fat

Liu further explained that TCM regards fatty liver as the accumulation of pathological products, which is also called phlegm dampness in TCM. There are two reasons for phlegm dampness. One is the dysfunction of the viscera (the internal organs in the main cavities of the body). In this case, treatment is focused on the removal of pathological accumulations.

The other is that the positive energy of the viscera is insufficient—thus the waste cannot be metabolized completely, and the energy of the viscera must be increased. Both conditions can be resolved through acupuncture and the application of Chinese medicine in tandem.

Acupuncture and moxibustion (the burning of mugwort leaves close to the skin) can be applied on relevant acupoints along the gallbladder meridian. Specifically, Zulinqi (GB41), Yanglingquan (GB34)—which can regulate the bile and liver function—Waiguan (SJ5), Renmai Zhongwan (Ren12), and Qihai (Ren6). Qihai can increase the energy in the body, thereby removing phlegm dampness.

Tianshu (ST25), Shuidao (ST28), and Fenglong (ST40) can burn localized fat, eliminating pathological deposits.

Next, to enhance the energy of the viscera, select the Ganyu (BL18), Piyu (BL20), and Shenyu (BL23), which in turn can enhance the energy and hence the function of the liver, kidneys, and spleen—allowing all nutrient intake into the body to be absorbed by the viscera normally and converted into the energy required by the body.

The Epoch Times

The Epoch Times

The Epoch Times

According to a study published in Medicine (Baltimore) in 2021, preliminary clinical studies have shown that acupuncture can safely and effectively treat fatty liver and can also improve liver function and fat metabolism.

In terms of TCM, the prescription should be chosen according to the symptoms and the patient’s constitution.

People with weak spleen and stomach can use Liujunzi (six combinations) decoction to invigorate the spleen and reduce phlegm. After the spleen itself is reinforced, it is easier to excrete pathological products from the body. According to the viscera theory of TCM, the spleen is not just an organ as described in modern medicine, but a system that functions to transfer energy around the whole body.

People with heavy phlegm and dampness can use Dachaihu decoction, which is based on the principle of soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen, to enhance the reduction of blood fat, reduce fatty liver, and even lose weight. In addition, Yinchen (Artemisiae scopariae herba), fermented red rice, and raw rhubarb can also be used to enhance the elimination of fat accumulated in the body or blood.

Research published in Chinese Medicine in 2021 showed that the components of many Chinese herbal medicines are effective in the treatment of fatty liver. Liu added that compared with some lipid-lowering drugs, Chinese medicine has fewer side effects and will not harm the function of the liver itself.

Research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology in 2020 shows that many herbal formulas can improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating liver fat metabolism. Experiments on animals have found that Dachaihu decoction can reduce the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats, reduce liver fat, and improve liver inflammation.

How To Avoid a Fatty Liver

Liu recommends avoiding six kinds of food:

1. High-cholesterol animal offal (organ meats).
2. Chicken skin.
3. Seafood.
4. Fatty meat.
5. Crab roe.
6. Bone marrow.

But you can eat more nuts containing unsaturated fatty acids to help regulate blood lipids. He cites one study from China that found the more nuts eaten (particularly by men in the study), the lower their risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver.

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In daily life, doing more of the following six things can also help reverse fatty liver or reduce the risk of having it.

1. Monitor fat intake: about 50g (1.8 ounces) per day for adults, never go more than 30 percent of total calories.
2. Monitor sugar intake: not to exceed 60 percent of total calories—especially reduce sweet baked goods, snacks, and other foods containing refined sugar.
3. Take sufficient vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.
4. Supplement dietary fiber: Eat more whole grains, nuts, beans, shiitake mushrooms, kelp, and vegetables.
5. Avoid alcohol and eat less salt: Alcohol can worsen fatty liver, and less salt can help you lose weight.
6. Drink more tea: Try more white, green, and oolong teas to reduce fat.

In addition, do aerobic exercise for more than half an hour every day—it is good enough to just let the body sweat slightly.

*Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in Asian supermarkets.

Note: Because different people have different physiques, it is recommended to consult your doctor or TCM experts.